Amazon Announces New Echo Devices Featuring Built-In Cameras, Wi-Fi Extenders, and Smart Home Hubs

Amazon has announced a slate of new and updated smart home devices, including upgraded Echo Dot and Echo Studio smart speakers equipped with new capabilities like built-in cameras, Wi-Fi extenders, and smart home hubs.

According to the company's announcement, the hardware updates introduce several functional additions to the popular product line. Buyers can verify specifications and regional availability directly through official Amazon product pages.

Echo Studio with Home Camera

A new version of the premium Echo Studio adds a built-in camera for live in-home monitoring, priced at $249.99 in Graphite, with an optional stand sold separately for $39.99. Amazon notes that buyers can still purchase the Echo Studio without a camera.

• Visual Intelligence: Alexa gains capabilities to recognize objects in front of the camera, such as board game boxes or cereal boxes, to assist with rules or reordering.
• Audio Features: Retains high-excursion woofer and Dolby Atmos, while introducing Advanced Room Adaptation and Adaptive Volume.

Echo Dot Upgrades

The smaller Echo Dot has also received functional expansions:

• Smart Home Hub: Integrated hub to connect and control compatible devices like thermostats, lights, and locks.
• Wi-Fi Extender: Built-in Eero Wi-Fi extender that extends internet coverage by up to 1,000 square feet to an existing Eero network.
• Processing: Powered by Amazon's custom AZ3 silicon for on-device processing.

Pricing for the standard Echo Dot is set at $99.99 in Graphite, Glacier White, Agave Green, and Coral Pink, while the Amazon Kids Echo Dot starts at $109.99 in Octopus and Penguin designs.